VIVENDO SALENDO: ottobre 2021

TANZANIA REPORT TRAVEL.

To enter Tanzania it is necessary to have an entry visa, for tourism, to be requested at the Embassy of Tanzania in Rome or the Consulate in Milan (consult the website to see the opening hours). :

- original passport (valid for no less than 6 months);

-2 color passport photos taken recently;

- Completed and signed entry visa application form;

- Euro 65.00 in cash or credit card;

The entry visa is issued on the spot and allows entry into the country for 90 days.

In Tanzania, about 50% of the population is Muslim.

Keep in mind that in Tanzania there are no night buses and therefore you are forced to always travel during the day.

There is a time zone forward, with respect to Burundi and therefore also with respect to Italy.

Bear in mind that there are a lot of roadblocks in Tanzania.

From the center of Kabanga, Tanzania, a few minibuses leave daily to Kahama. The ride costs 15,000 TSH. You pay after you get on the bus. The journey takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes. The first 4 hours of travel take place on a very bad road with gigantic holes.

If you can't find a minibus in Kabanga, you have to go to Ngara, 28 km away, by taxi or minibus. In Ngara there is a bank to change money. From this city there are several hotels and also buses leave more frequently to Kahama and one bus a day to Mwanza, at 6 in the morning.

In Kahama, I slept at the Royal Palace Lodge at the price of 20,000 TSH per night, located on the outskirts, but which offers free transportation to and from the city center, where there is the Bus Station, included in the price.

From Kahama, there are several buses a day to the capital Dodoma. The first leaves at 6.00 in the morning. The ride with the Prince Ahmed Company costs 30,000 TSH. You pay at the desk and get the ticket even the day before if you want. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.

In Dodoma, keep in mind that banks and exchange offices close before 5.00 pm.

Dodoma, you can easily get around on foot. Be careful not to photograph public offices. It's forbidden.

From Dodoma, there are several buses a day to Arusha. The first leaves at 6.00 in the morning, the last at 20.00. The ride costs TSH 25,000, with the Arusha Express Company. You pay at the desk and get the ticket even the day before if you want. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

From the Arusha Bus Station, a motor taxi ride costs 2,000 TSH, during the day and 3,000 TSH, at night.

In Arusha I slept at Kitundu Guesthouse, not far from the Bus Station, at the price of 25,000 TSH per night for a double room (there is no single), including breakfast.

Arusha is safe during the day a little less after sunset.

Arusha is the Safari Capital and is therefore the best place to organize a safari by joining a group if you are alone.

There are hundreds of agencies in the city that organize safaris for all budgets. To find the right one but low cost, I entrusted the Kitundu Guesthouse, which made me come to the hotel the manager of the agency Wanyama African Safari Co. Ltd. based in Arusha, Tel + 255757580417 / + 255787337875, E_mail: info@wanyamaafricansafari.com, Web: www.wanyamaafricansafari.com. This agency offers 2, 3 and 4 day safaris to the following parks:

2 days: Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater;

3 days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater;

4 days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti;

The cost is USD 170 per day for 2 and 3 day safaris and USD 165 per day for 4 day safaris. The fee includes everything: 3 meals a day, bottled water at will, accommodation in tented camps or lodges, usually outside the parks to save money, park entrances, driver, guide, Off-road with raised roof. The only thing excluded is the tip (5 USD per day) to the driver and the guide who are often a unique person who plays both roles.

I booked the Safari at 8.00 in the morning with departure at 9.00 on the same day.

Once the Safari is complete, they will take you back to Arusha to the Hotel of your choice for free. For the occasion I chose the Arusha Backpackers Hotel, located in the center of Sokoine Road, just 400 meters away. from the Bus Station. Cost per night 25,400 TSH. They also accept Dollars.

If you want to go on an excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro mt. 5,896, the highest mountain in Africa, or if you just want to see it you need to go to the City of Moshi. Keep in mind that an excursion to the Summit takes about 5 days and a lot of effort as well as an expense of approximately USD 1,500 per person including, permits, accommodation, over USD 300 tip for porters.

From the Bus Station of Arusha, when they are full, from 6.00 to 21.00 with excellent frequency, Minibus for Moschi. The ticket costs 3,000 TSH and is purchased after getting on. The ride takes about 2 hours.

Moschi turns very well on foot.

If you want to reach Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, keep in mind that there are departures from 6.00 in the morning until 11.00 in the morning. You can opt for the buses that depart from the Bus Station, which cost less, but the comfort is less and the journey is much longer because they make a myriad of stops unlike the Kilimanjaro Express, Dar Express and Mtei Express companies, which depart all near Boma Road, all cost about 30,000 TSH and take a scant 11 hours to reach their destination.

In Dar es Salaam, the Buses coming from Moshi finish the race at the Ubundo Bus Station (or in dedicated stations not far away for Kilimanjaro Express for example), located about 8 km northwest of the city center, which can be reached with a Regular bus, minibus, taxi or motorbike taxi. The latter I paid 8,000 TSH, bargaining heavily.

The cheapest accommodations in the center of Dar es Salaam are the YWCA hostel, which offers a bed in a dormitory, including breakfast for 12,000 TSH per night, while for a single without bathroom you have to spend 20,000 TSH, and the YMCA hostel which offers a bed in dormitory including breakfast for TSH 15,000 per night, while TSH 30,000 for a single room without bathroom. Both are located on Azikiwe Street, near St Alban's Church, 50m away. away from each other and both are now and gladly sold out, at least for the accommodation in the dormitory.

Dar es Salaam, is a very large city and appears quite safe at least during the day while after sunset it is highly advisable to move by taxi (4,000 TSH for a short ride to the center).

If you want to reach Kilwa Masoko, located on the southern coast of Tanzania, the most convenient solution is to go, with a minibus (450 TSH) departing from the New post stop in Azikiwe Street Dar es Salaam, or with a motorcycle taxi ( 10.000 TSH), at the Bus Station of Mbagala Rangi Tatu, located 10 km, approximately south of the capital, where 2 buses of the Mashaallah Company depart every day for Kilwa Masoko, one early in the morning and the other at 11.30. Tickets (13,000 TSH) can be purchased at the desk before boarding. The bus makes numerous stops, including the last one in Kilwa Kivinje and the ride takes about 5 hours.

Another solution is to go to the Ubundo Bus Station and take one of the many Buds headed to Mtwara and get off at the Nangurukuru intersection, where you can take a local transport to Kilwa Masoko (TSH 2500, 35 Km).

Kilwa Masoko bus station, is about 1.5 km from Kilwa Bandari Lodge which is the most beautiful accommodation in the city and is located on the main road at 200 meters. about from the Port. It can be reached on foot or by motorcycle taxi (1,000 TSH). The cost per night for a single room is 49,000 TSH or 25 USD, including breakfast.

If you are interested in visiting the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani Island, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, keep in mind that it is necessary to communicate your decision to Kilwa Bandari Lodge and in a few minutes a Local Guide (mandatory) will arrive at the Hotel. will offer to get you the obligatory permit (for this purpose he will have to make a photocopy of the passport), to get you a boat to reach the island and to accompany you on the visit of the ruins which lasts about 3 hours, at a cost of 25 USD (if you are at least in 3 if not if you are alone 40 USD). To this it is necessary to add 27,000 TSH, for entry to the site. I asked him for a discount and paid a total of 70,000 TSH (I joined a young Dutch couple). Keep in mind that if there is low tide it is necessary to put your feet in the water when getting on and off the boat and that you need to walk for about 3 km to visit all the sites of Kilwa Kisiwani.

The excursion usually starts at 8.00 and ends before noon and therefore there is a high probability of taking the last bus of the Mashaallah Company, which leaves every day at 12.30 P.M., for Dar es Salaam. The first one leaves at 6 am (13,000 TSH, 5 hours).

If you want to reach Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, keep in mind that 4 Azam catamarans operated by “Kilimanjaro” depart every day from the ferry terminal: at 7.00, 9.30, 12.30 and 15.30. The times are the same also for catamarans departing from Zanzibar. Keep in mind that for foreigners the ticket costs twice as much as for residents and precisely 35 USD, one way in economy class and 50 USD in VIP class or equivalent in TSH. Consider the fact that at certain times of the year, economy class tickets sell out early and therefore it is advisable to buy them the day before. The trip takes about 2 hours and if the sea is rough it can be troubled. Before boarding, they check your luggage with the scanner.

Please note that there are several daily flights connecting Dar es Salaam WITH Zanzibar at a cost of USD 70, one way.

Once in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, it is necessary to fill out an entry form, show the yellow fever certificate if required and obtain the entry stamp to Zanzibar even if it is still Tanzania.

The population of Zanzibar is 95% Muslim and therefore respectful behavior must be maintained.

Stone Town is a beautiful city full of alleys and it is not for nothing that it has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

In Creek Road in Stone Town, there are direct minibuses to all parts of the island and they leave when they are full even if the route in which the frequency of the same is highest is that for Nungwi, a town, located on the northern tip. The ride costs 2,000 TSH and takes approximately 1 hour and a half. You pay after getting on.

In Nungwi, to reach the beach it is necessary to walk from the bus stop for about 1 km, along a dirt road heading north west.

However, keep in mind that the most beautiful beaches are on the east coast of Zanzibar, which is also the one where there is less rainfall.

If from Dar es Salaam you want to reach Malawi by land, you need to know that from the Ubundu Bus Station (you pay 300 TSH to access it) every morning between 6.00 and 7.00 numerous buses leave for Mbeya. I took the one from the BN Safari company, paying the 48 TSH ticket, purchased 10 minutes before leaving. The ride lasts approximately 15 hours (approximately 830 km).

In Mbeya, the Buses coming from Dar es Salaam end their journey at the Bus Station, located in the south-east area of the city. Around it there are several cheap guesthouses that cost between 15,000 and 20,000 TSH, including the New Millennium Inn, but often they are often fully booked. I slept in the only hotel available in the area, namely the Nkwenzulu Motel, paying for a double room (there are no singles), without breakfast 25,000 TSH.

If you want to reach Kasumulu, the city on the border with Malawi, the fastest solution is to take, from the Bus Station, a local bus direct to the x minibus stand located east of Mbeya (15 minutes - 600 TSH). From here, take a direct minibus to Kasumulu Bus Station (located in the city center), which makes numerous stops including the one in Tutuyu City. The ride costs 5,000 TSH and lasts 3 abundant. You pay after getting on.

From Kasumulu Bus Station, to reach the border post with Malawi, you have to walk for about 1 km. On this stretch of the road there will be many people who will propose to change money. It is also possible to take a motorcycle taxi.

Once at the border, go to the Desk to obtain the exit stamp from Tanzania. Then it is necessary to walk for 300 meters. approximately, crossing the Songwe River Bridge and thus reaching the Malawi border point. On this stretch of the road there will be many people who will offer you to change money (1 Euro = 840 MK). There is also an exchange office and a bank that change money but offer significantly more disadvantageous rates (1 Euro = 840 MK). Even in the city it is inappropriate to exchange money in a bank or exchange office.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/02/viaggio-in-rwanda-burundi-tanzania-e.html

TRAVEL REPORT IN UGANDA AND KENYA THROUGH THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: Entebbe, Lake Victoria, Buggala Island which is part of Ssese Island, Kampala, Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi, Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable, Kampalaobi, National Park, Busia, Kisumu, Nakuru , Mombasa, Diani Beach, Sacred Forest of Kaya Kinondo, Malindi, Lamu, Gede, Mombasa, Nairobi, Narok, Oltepesi, Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi and Nairobi National Park.

UGANDA

Punctual as never before, my plane no. ET735 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company, coming from Brussels in the direction of Terminal 2 of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia), (price of the multi-leg ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Entebbe (Uganda) and from Nairobi (Kenya) to Malpensa with stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 514.14).

Dinner and breakfast are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

Arrival on time at 6.00 am, at Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia). There is a 1 hour time zone compared to Italy.

Punctual as never before from Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) at 10.10 am, my plane no. ET332 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company in the direction of the International Airport of Entebbe (Uganda), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Entebbe (Uganda) and from Nairobi (Kenya) to Malpensa with a stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 514.14 ).

Lunch is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

I therefore arrive at 12.15 P.M., at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), located about 40 km south-east of the center of the capital Kampala. There is a 1 hour time zone compared to Italy.

To enter Uganda an entry visa is required, both for tourism and for work.

From 1 July 2016, a new online procedure for applying for an entry visa to the country came into force, which must be requested online by connecting to the site “https://visas.immigration.go.ug”.

After entering the required data, attaching the necessary documents and paying by credit card 51 $ (single entry), 101 $ (multiple entry visa 6–12 months), 151 $ (multiple entry visa 24 months), 201 $ (multiple entry visa 36 months) and $ 101 (East African Tourist Visa - 3 months multiple entry for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda), the applicant receives within ten days a receipt with a barcode to be presented at the Ugandan border crossing where, following the acquisition of biometric data, obtain a visa.

To enter Uganda it is mandatory to be in possession of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate which you are promptly asked for at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda).

At Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, or change cash (Euros, Dollars or Pounds), but with a clearly unfavorable exchange rate (1 Euro = 3,800 USh) compared to what you can get get to downtown Kampala (1 Euro = 4.232 USh).

Keep in mind that in Uganda the public and private transport service on weekends and Sundays do not suffer reductions.

In Uganda a lot of people speak English.

From Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), located about 40 km south-east of the center of the capital Kampala, to reach Nakiwogo (near Entebbe), taking into account that boda -boda (motorbike) does not circulate, the fastest solution is that of taking a taxi at the price of 20,000 Ush (bargaining heavily).

The Ssese Islands (Buggala Island, Banda Island and Bukasa Island) are the most beautiful Ugandan Islands of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. The most accessible is Buggala Island, reachable by the MV Kalangala Ferry which leaves every day at 14.00 from Nakiwogo (near Entebbe). The trip lasts 3 and a half hours. The first class ticket costs 14,000 Ush, the second class one costs 10,000 Ush and can be purchased at the desk, located in the small port. Before embarking, the police check each passenger's luggage one by one.

On Buggala Island, the MV Kalangala Ferry docks at Lutoboka Bay in Kalangala, where at the small marina many Resorts, Guesthouse and Hotel, almost all overlooking the beaches of Lake Victoria, are proposed with clear signs so that you can choose the best accommodation . For the occasion I chose the Ssese Islands Beach Hotel, located on the beach, near the golf course, 300 meters away. about from the port if you pass by the beach. For each night for a double in Bugalow I paid 30,000 Ush, without breakfast and without wifi, but including free transport to the Hotel.

Buggala Island is a magnificent place to relax or hike in the midst of nature, but it is necessary to keep in mind that this is a malarial area and that it is highly inadvisable to swim in the inviting Lake Victoria in order not to take Bilharzia

From Lutoboka Bay in Kalangala (Buggala Island), to return to Nakiwogo (near Entebbe) it is necessary to take the MV Kalangala Ferry which leaves every day at 8.00. The trip lasts 3 and a half hours. The first class ticket costs 14,000 Ush, the second class one costs 10,000 Ush and can be purchased at the desk, located in the small port. Before embarking, the police check each passenger's luggage one by one.

From Nakiwogo, to reach the taxi park in Entebbe, the cheapest solution is to take a boda –boda (motorbike) for the price of 2,000 Ush. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

If you have booked a Gorillas Permit, through Gorilla Tours Ltd (Open Hours: Monday - Friday. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm), located at Plot 624/625 Lubowa Rise Rd, Lubowa Estate Rise Road, Opposite Upper Gate of International Schoold of Uganda, PO Box 29333 Kampala, Uganda it is necessary to go to the same to collect the original permit for the Gorillas following the following indications: By public means, you will take a matatu [locally known as taxi] to Kampala from the taxi park in Entebbe. Please ask the driver to leave you in LUBOWA [opposite Roofings Ltd]. This is approx. 30kms from Entebbe (2,000 Ush - 40 '). From here you will take a motorbike [popularly known as the boda boda] to our offices, opposite the upper gate of INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA. There you will find a sign post with GORILLA TOURS (1,500 Ush - 5 ').

From LUBOWA, to reach Kampala, take the main road and wait for one of the numerous Matatu coming from Entebbe. In about 20 minutes you can reach the center of Kampala for the price of 1,500 Ush. You pay the attendant before getting off.

Kampala is a fairly safe city but very busy and you can walk around, keeping in mind in Kampala Road, there are numerous banks to change money.

From the center of Kampala to reach Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 5 km northwest of the center, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) at the price of 7,000 Ush .

From Kasubi Tombs to reach the Namirembe Cathedral, located 4 km west of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 2,000 Ush.

From Namirembe Cathedral to reach Bulange Royal Building, located 4 km west of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 2,000 Ush.

The Bulange Royal Building allows you to visit the Ugandan Parliament. Visits are possible every day from 8.00 to 17.00. The cost of the fare is 35,000 Ush, including the compulsory Guide.

From the Bulange Royal Building to reach Mengo Palace, located 4 km southwest of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 1,000 Ush.

The Mengo Palace can only be visited outside. Visits are possible every day from 8.00 to 17.30. The cost of the fare is 35,000 Ush, including the compulsory Guide.

From Mengo Palace to reach Rubaga Cathedral, located 6 km southwest of the center of Kampala, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda -boda (motorbike) for the price of 1,000 Ush.

From Rubaga Cathedral to reach the Volcano Express Bus Station, located 3 km southwest of Kampala city center, near the Ghadafi Mosque and opposite the Bakuli Bus Terminal, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take a boda –boda (motorbike) at the price of 5,000 Ush.

From the Volcano Express Bus Station, located 3 km south-west of the center of Kampala, near the Ghadafi Mosque and in front of the Bakuli Bus Terminal, comfortable buses leave without bathroom inside, to Kigali (Rwanda) at the following times : 1.00, 3.00, 7.00, 9.00, 17.00, 19.000, 20.00, 21.00, 22.00, which also stop in Kabale (7 hours, 40.000 Ush), a town located a few kilometers before the border with Rwanda.

Lake Bunyonyi is by far the most beautiful and touristic in Uganda, full of beautiful islands and surrounded by villages and hills. It is very deep and is the only one in Uganda where it is possible to swim as it is not infested with crocodiles, hippos and bilarzia. Its waters are very warm especially in the early morning. A canoe trip costs 15,000 Ush per hour. Lake Bunyonyi, is about 9 km from Kabale, 7 of which are dirt roads. The cheapest and fastest solution is to get a boda -boda (motorbike) at the price of 7,000 Ush.

From Kabale there are no Matatu for Buhoma but only these 2 solutions:

1. Take a boda boda (motorbike) at the price of 40,000 Ush (bargaining heavily; some tourists even paid 50 USD), for about 120 km of which 76 km are unpaved for a journey time of about 3 hours (you cross the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and when you enter you must register);

2. Take a Pick up truck which leaves when full (usually at 10 or 11) in the direction of Kihihi and get off at Kanyantorogo (10,000 Ush, 3 hours). From here it is necessary to take another Pick up truck for Butogota (4,000 Ush, 30 ') or wait for the 3.00 pm bus coming from Kampala and heading to Buhoma. From Butogota, located 17 km north-east of Buhoma, it is necessary to take a boda –boda (motorbike) at the price of 20,000 Ush to reach Buhoma.

In Buhoma, there are Lodges which cost 750 USD per night and Guesthouse which cost 10 USD. I slept in a Bungalow at Buhoma Community Rest Camp, located right next to Bwindi park Headquarters, at a price of 30 USD per night or 216,000 Ush, excluding breakfast, but including free wifi in the dining room, which often doesn't work . Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for USD 10 to USD 20.

In the world there are only 600 Mountain Gorillas distributed in 3 countries: 300 in Uganda and 300 distributed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Considering that the latter country is currently not safe for tourism and that the cost to see Gorillas in Rwanda for an hour is 1,500 USD, it is logical that you end up choosing the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda where the costs are as follows: High Season (June to October and December to May): USD 600. Low Season (April, May and November): USD 350. Since only 96 permits are issued per day in 4 locations (Buhoma , Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga), in High Season it is necessary to purchase the permit at least 3 months in advance (especially for Buhoma which is the most accessible location and therefore the most requested) and to obtain it you must contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority via e_mail (UWA), but probably, as happened to me, you will not get an answer and therefore you will have to go to a Ugandan travel agency who will get permission for you and ask you for 50 USD for the service. I turned to Gorilla Tours Ltd (Open Hours: Monday - Friday. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm), located in Plot 624/625 Lubowa Rise Rd, Lubowa Estate Rise Road, Opposite Upper Gate of International Schoold of Uganda , PO Box 29333 Kampala (Website: - www.gorillatours.com ,, E_mail_: violet@gorillatours.com). So in the end you will end up paying almost 700 USD (600 USD for permit, 50 USD for the agency, 50 USD to pay the Bank for the execution of an International Bank Transfer, since it is the only accepted means of payment. ). Once you have paid, the Agency will purchase the Gorilla Permit at the UWA in Kampala and will send it scanned by E_mail and when you arrive in Uganda you will have to go to the Agency at the aforementioned address to collect the original permit to present the day of the excursion.

For those like me who have purchased the permit to see the Gorillas in Buhoma, you must show up with the original permit and the attached card, at 7.30 am on the day indicated on the permit at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Headquarters, located next to the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, where the UWA employees will check your permit and issue you the receipt to be presented 300 mt. further on, which is the point where you are for the departure, how to behave with the Gorillas is explained and 5 groups of about 15 people are formed who will go to see the 5 Gorilla families distributed in 5 different areas of the park. Only the excursion for the "Mubare" family, in which I participated, starts from there. The others must be reached by car.

The excursion starts at approximately 8.45 am and lasts from 5 to 8 hours depending on where the Gorillas are and the athleticism of the group of people. The path is bumpy. The caravan is made up of 2 armed guards (one in front and one behind), a Guide, the carriers of paid backpacks for those who want them and of course the 15 tourists. Once you leave, the chance to see Gorillas is almost guaranteed. You can stay with the Gorillas for only 1 hour and the excursion is carried out in any weather condition. At the end you are given a Certificate of Participation.

From the center of Buhoma, there are 2 buses a day to Kampala: the first one leaves at 4.00 A.M. and takes about 12 hours to reach its destination while the second leaves at a time between 16.00 and 17.00 and arrives in Kampala shortly before 6.00 A.M. The ticket price is 40,000 Ush. You pay the attendant after getting on.

In Kampala the Bus coming from Buhoma, will probably arrive at the Buganda Bus Park from which it is necessary to take a Boda Boda at the price of 4,000 Ush, to reach Easy Coach Bus Station, located in Dewinton Road.

To reach Nairobi from Kampala there are several bus companies with departures in the early morning, afternoon or evening. One of the most reliable is the Easy Coach, which has three departures a day: at 6.30 A.M., at 14.00 and at 19.00. The trip lasts from 13 to 16 hours. The ticket price is 73,000 Ush. You pay at the desk before getting on the bus.

You pass through the Busia border post, where the Ugandan and Kenyan desks are adjacent.

The Ugandan exit stamp is obtained after completing the appropriate form, taking fingerprints and taking a photograph.

KENYA

To enter Kenya you need an entry visa. The visa categories are as follows:

• transit visa (transit visa, USD 20) valid from one to seven days;

• tourist visa (tourist visa, 50 USD or 40 EURO) valid for one month, three months or, in special cases, renewable for up to six months;

• multiple visa (multiple visa, USD 110) for business;

• visa valid for a single journey (single journey visa, 25 USD or 20 EURO);

• double-entry visa (double-entry visa, 25 USD or 20 EURO) issued to people who enter Kenya and then continue to another member country of the "East Africa Community" (in addition to Kenya, Uganda, Rwuanda, Burundi and Tanzania) and then return to Kenya.

The Kenyan authorities announced the introduction from 1 September 2015 of an online procedure to obtain an electronic visa. It is advisable to follow this procedure, accessible at the following address: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html (only in English).

After entering the required data, attaching the necessary documents and paying by credit card $ 52 (single entry), the applicant receives within ten days a receipt with a barcode (E-Visa) to be presented at the Kenyota border crossing where, following the acquisition of biometric data, he obtains a visa. The East African Tourist Visa cannot be obtained online but only at the Kenyan Consulate and Embassy in Italy.

To enter Kenya, if you come from Uganda it is mandatory to have a valid vaccination certificate against Yellow Fever, which you are promptly requested at the Busia border post.

Keep in mind that in Kenya the public and private transport service on weekends and Sundays do not suffer reductions.

In Kenya many people speak English and some even Italian, especially in Malindi.

Once you have also obtained the Kenya entry stamp, you walk towards the bus that awaits you 200 meters. further on.

At the land border of Busia (Kenya), it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, or change cash (Euros, Dollars or Pounds), at the desk located just beyond the Kenyota Custom but with a decidedly unfavorable exchange rate (1 Euro = 110 KSh or 1 USD = 91 KSh) compared to what you can get at the black currency exchange in Busia or in the center of Nairobi (1 Euro = 122.60 KSh or 1 USD = 103 KSh).

In Nairobi you generally arrive between 9.00pm and 10.00pm. The Easy Coach Bus Station is located in Exchange La Road, not far from the railway station. To reach the Modern Coast Bus Station, located in Cross La, the fastest and cheapest solution is to take a boda boda (motorbike) for the price of 200 KSh.

To reach Mombasa from Nairobi there are several bus companies with departures in the early morning, afternoon or evening. One of the most reliable is the Modern Coast, which has many departures a day: the last one at 10.30pm. The trip takes 6 to 8 hours. The ticket price is 800 KSh for the second class and 2,000 KSh for the first class. Sometimes the second class is sold out and one is forced to travel in first. You pay at the desk before getting on the bus.

In Mombasa generally the Bus of the Modern Coast Company, leaves you in the center in Digo Road, where many Matatu (25 KSh) pass directly to the port where the free ferries to Likoni depart every 15 ', which is an obligatory stop for those who want to reach the southern coast of Kenya.

If you want to reach the beautiful beaches of Diani Beach, you have to take from the Likoni Bus Terminal, adjacent to the Ferry Terminal, one of the numerous Matatu (minibuses) that leave when full and get off at Ukunda (70 KSh, 30 minutes), at junction for Diani Beach. From here there are numerous Boda Boda that for the price of 100 KSh, or TUC TUC for the price of 30 KSh, take you to any white beach of Diani Beach, where the masseuses are waiting for you to offer you their service.

From Diani Beach, if you want to reach the Sacred Forest of Kaya Kinondo, located 15 km south of Diani Beach, the cheapest solution is to take a Tuc Tuc along the coast from north to south until the end of the paved road at a cost of 30 KSh. From there you can take a Boda Boda which for 200 KSh travels the last 10 km to the aforementioned Forest.

The entrance to the Sacred Forest of Kaya Kinondo, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, costs 1,000 KSh, in addition to the non-compulsory tip (I gave 200 KSh) to be given to the compulsory Guide who accompanies you in the visit of about 1 hour of this mystical forest. It is an incredible experience in which everything seems out of reality: it is not possible to eat, wear hats, smoke, kiss, pick up anything and it is mandatory to wrap a black Kaniki (Sarong) around your waist. Then you will hug a tree that is hundreds of years old and walk barefoot for a while.

Once I returned to Mombasa with the same means of transport used on the outward journey, I visited it on foot. There is a beautiful historic center with semi-deserted alleys. Even during the day it doesn't seem the best of safety. There are guides who propose to accompany you on the visit for 1000 Ksh to negotiate, but perhaps it is better to accept the invitation so as not to endanger your own safety. But the absolute top attraction of Mombasa is Fort Jesus, located overlooking the sea and declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is open every day from 8.00 to 18.00. The entrance fee is 1,200 Ksh.

A ride in Tuc Tuc from the historic center of Mombasa to the Bus Station on Abdel Nasser Road, where Bus and Matatu leave for Malindi costs 100 KSh.

From there, from early morning until evening, numerous buses and matatu for Malindi depart when they are full, but they fill up quickly. The ride lasts from 2 to 3 hours and 30 'and costs 350 KSh.

In Malindi many people speak Italian and a ride in Boda Boda costs 50 KSh.

The cheapest accommodation to sleep in Malindi is Tana Guest House, located in the center of Jamburi Street, close to many bus offices. The cost per day is 600 KSh, for a double with mosquito net, without breakfast and without wifi.

Keep in mind that Malindi is safe during the day but after sunset it is dangerous to go to the beach or drive along the deserted Mama Ngina Road.

The combined ticket to visit the House of Columns, the Portuguese Church and the Colonna de Vasco de Gama costs 500 KSh.

To reach Lamu Island from Malindi, there are several bus companies with departures only in the morning. Many have offices on Jamburi Street, in front of which buses depart. One of them is the "Mombasa Raha", which has 2 departures a day: at 9.00 and 11.00. The journey is not the most trivial as the area is infested with Somali terrorists from Al Shabaab and therefore the buses run part of the caravan ride escorted by the Kenyan army. In addition, you must undergo at least 5 check points where you need to get off the bus, walk for a while, show your identity document, have your baggage checked and wait for the bus which in turn has been meticulously checked by the staff of the army. For all the reasons set out above, plus the fact that the bus makes numerous stops to pick up and drop off passengers, the journey of scarce 200 km (more than half dirt roads) can last up to 8 hours. The ticket price is 1,000 KSh. You pay at the desk before getting on the bus or on the bus itself.

The bus arrives in Mokowe, where it is necessary to take a boat to Lamu. It leaves when it is full, but fills up quickly as all bus passengers need a boat. The crossing takes just 30 minutes and costs 100 KSh, the slow one, 150 KSh, the smaller and faster one.

Once you arrive in Lamu, you are met by some client finders who offer you hotels and excursions to some islands.

The cheapest accommodation to sleep in Lamu is New Makrus Hotel, located in the center, 100 mt. from the port, on Kenyatta Road. The cost per day is 500 KSh, for a single room with mosquito net, without breakfast and without wifi.

The beautiful city of Lamu, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is made up of very narrow alleys where donkeys also circulate freely and is fabulous to walk around. Almost the totality of the population is Muslim.

To return to Malindi from Lamu there are several bus companies with departures only in the morning. One of them is the “Mombasa Raha”, which has 2 departures a day from Mokowe: at 7.00 and 10.00. Keep in mind that to be in Mokowe at 7.00 it is advisable to take a boat from Lamu at 6.15. As mentioned above, the bus journey between Mokowe and Malindi is not the most trivial as the area is infested by Somali terrorists from Al Shabaab and therefore the buses travel most of the journey in a caravan escorted by the Kenyan army. In addition, you must undergo at least 5 check points where you need to get off the bus, walk for a while, show your identity document, have your baggage checked and wait for the bus which in turn has been meticulously checked by the staff of the army. For all the reasons set out above, plus the fact that the bus makes numerous stops to pick up and drop off passengers, the journey of scarce 200 km (more than half dirt roads) can last up to 8 hours. The ticket price is 1,000 KSh. You pay at the desk in Lamu or even in Malindi or before getting on the bus or the bus itself.

A ride in Boda Boda from Jamburi Street in Mombasa to Matatu Bus Station on Mombasa Road, where Matatu leaves for Mombasa costs 50 KSh.

From there, from early morning until evening, many matatu for Mombasa leave when they are full, but they fill up quickly. They also stop in Gede, 17 km south of Malindi. The ride takes about 30 KSh and should cost 50 KSh, although you will probably be asked to pay the full 350 Ksh fare to Mombasa and you will have to fight hard to get them to get you a discount. I managed to pay 200 KSh.

To reach the Ruins of Gede from the junction x Watamu on the Malindi - Mombasa road it is necessary to take a boda - boda paying 50 KSh.

The archaeological site of Gede is open every day from 7.00 to 18.00. Admission costs 500 KSh, over 250 KSh if you are interested in seeing the serpentarium and over 250 KHs if you are also interested in seeing butterflies. Guides are available at the entrance where there are also some nice monkeys who love to jump on your head.

To go to Mombasa da Gede, take the main road where many matatu pass from early morning until evening for Mombasa. The ride lasts a generous 2 hours and costs 300 KSh.

To reach Nairobi from Mombasa there are several bus companies with departures in the early morning, afternoon or evening. Most of them have offices on Kenyatta Ave or Abdel Nasser Road. Unfortunately I took the bus of the company "Daima Connections" departing at 21.30 which took incredibly 12 hours to get to the center of Nairobi. I paid 1,000 KSh for the ticket before getting on the bus.

A boda boda ride downtown Nairobi costs 200 KSh, although many will try to ask you for more, even 500 KHs.

If you want to organize a Low Cost Safari in Kenya there are several possibilities:

1. book directly on the internet before arriving; for example, the site "Babun" offers $ 100 Safaris (including rental of minibuses with 9-seat sunroof including driver, accommodation in tents, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, 1 liter of water, entrance to the Parks , driver who also acts as a guide and all the necessary transfers, in the Masai Mara National Reserve, in the Lake Nakuru National Park, in the Amboseli National Park and in other parks), you pay 20% down payment, the rest in Nairobi;

2. you rely on a hotel or hostel that contacts a reliable agency for you and in this case you can get a price between $ 100 and $ 120 per day for the same safaris described in point 1;

3. You spend a whole day consulting the Nairobi agencies that are based mainly around Kenyatta and then in the end you choose the one that makes you the best price for the same services. So did 2 Japanese guys who were on safari with me who managed to get a price of only 83 $ a day for the same safaris illustrated in point 1;

4. If you are in a hurry like me who arrived in Nairobi at 9.30 in the morning and wanted to do a 3 day Safari starting from the same day, you have to go to Kenyatta Ave and wait for a Safari agency employee to meet you make you his proposal, that he takes you to the office to explain his proposal. By doing so I was able to tick, through the Bencia Africa Adventure & Safari LTD Agency, based in Nairobi, Uganda House, 1st floor, Room 26c, Kenyatt Avenue, tel: +2540208063233, Mobile: +254722917288, +254731838282, E_mail: info@benciaafricaadventure.com, booking@benciaafricaadventure.com, Website: http://www.enciaafricaadventure.com, a price of 107 $ per day for the same safaris illustrated in point 1, but including transport by car private from Nairobi to Narok, where I had to join my safari companions, who had left 2 and a half hours before me;

Having said that, keep in mind that if you have little time available, the Top Safari in Kenya is 3 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve, which many have said is the most extraordinary wildlife show in the world and usually the program is illustrated below:

1st DAY

• 8.30 / 9.00: departure by Minibus from Nairobi;

• 12.30 / 13.00 Buffet lunch in a restaurant in Narok (140 km from Nairobi);

• 3.00 / 3.30 pm arrival and accommodation at the Tented Camp of Mitimingi Camp in the Oltepesi Village, near the Oloolaimutiek Gate of the Masai Mara National Reserve;

• 16.00 / 16.30: Safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve until sunset;

• 7.30 pm: Buffet dinner in the restaurant attached to the Tented Camp of Mitimingi Camp;

2nd DAY

• 5.45 am: Buffet breakfast in the restaurant attached to the Tented Camp of Mitimingi Camp;

• 6.30: Safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve for the whole day;

• 1.00 pm / 1.30 pm packed lunch in the Masai Mara National Reserve;

• 16.30: optional visit to the Masai Village of Oltepesi, at the price of 10 $ or 1.000 KSh: there will be typical dances, lighting a fire and a visit to a typical house and a school;

• 7.30 pm: Buffet dinner in the restaurant attached to the Tented Camp of Mitimingi Camp;

3rd DAY

• 5.45 am: Buffet breakfast in the restaurant attached to the Tented Camp of Mitimingi Camp;

• 6.15 am: Safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve until about 9.30 am;

• 12.30 / 13.00 Buffet lunch in a restaurant in Ololulunga;

• 16.00 / 16.30: return to Nairobi, including transport to the hotel of your choice;

•

One of the cheapest accommodations for sleeping in downtown Nairobi is the Terrace Hotel, located downtown on Ronald Ngala Street, just beyond the eastern edge of the less dangerous area of Nairobi. The cost per day is 1,000 KSh, for a single room with mosquito net, without breakfast and without wifi.

When visiting Nairobi, keep in mind that it is one of the most dangerous cities in Africa and the world, but that the downtown area between Kenyatta Ave, Moi Ave Haile Selassie Ave and Uhuru Hwy during the day does not present particular dangers and is relatively quiet. , if you take some simple common sense precautions, for example do not show valuables. After sunset instead you have to move by taxi or boda boda, anywhere in Nairobi. Uhuru Park is also safe during the day but very dangerous at night. Then remember not to photograph the Parliament of Nairobi, in Parlamient Road, to avoid being arrested.

A nice thing to visit in Nairobi is the American Embassy Memorial Garden in memory of the 1998 American Embassy terrorist attack. The entrance fee is 30 KSh.

Another thing to do in the center of Nairobi is to go up to the roof (29th floor) of the Kenyatta Conference Center, the most characteristic building in the capital, from which you can enjoy a magnificent 360 ° view over the whole city. It can be accessed from Harambee Ave or City Hall Way every day from 9.30 to 18.00, passing numerous security checks and leaving the passport to the police. After that it will be necessary to pay the rate of 500 KSh and be accompanied to the top first by the elevator and finally by 2 flights of stairs.

Another attraction not to be missed is the National Museum, located on Museum Hill Road, just beyond the northern limit of the center, reachable with a short ride in Boda Boda (200 KSh). The price of the entrance ticket is 1,200 KHs, or 1,500 KHs, if you combine the visit with the adjacent Snake Park.

If, on the other hand, you intend to see something unique on the southwestern outskirts of Nairobi near Nairobi National Park, you have to go to the Giraffe Center and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (if you rent a taxi you will spend around 2,000 KHs to see both attractions).

The Giraffe Center allows you to observe, feed, stroke and even kiss Giraffes from a raised wooden platform. An unforgettable experience. The center is open every day from 9.00 to 17.30. The cost of the ticket is 1,000 KSh. To get here from the center of Nairobi by public transport, take matatu no. 24 (70 KSh), which departs at regular intervals on Mi Ave, near the intersection with City Hall Way. After about half an hour, get off near the Hardy Shopping Center and walk for about 2 km or take a boda boda for 50 KHs.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a reserve located within the Nairobi National Park, which allows, every day from 11.00 A.M. at 12.00 A.M. to observe several elephant cubs that are suckled with gigantic bottles by the staff and then take a daily bath in the mud pools. It is an unforgettable experience. ticket cost is 500 KSh or 7 USD. To get here from the center of Nairobi by public transport, take matatu no. 124 or 125 (70 KSh), which leaves at regular intervals in Mi Ave, After about half an hour, get off near the main KWS workshop in Magadi Road and walk on the dirt road inside Nairobi National Park for about 1 km or take a boda boda for the price of 50 KHs.

Instead, to get here from the Giraffe Center it is necessary to take a boda boda for the price of 30 KHs.

The cheapest way to reach the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located 15 km east of Nairobi is to take Bus n. 34 which leaves when full on Moi Ave, near the intersection with Ronald Ngala Street. The ride lasts from 45 minutes to 1 h 30 'depending on traffic and costs 60 KSh. About 5 km before reaching the airport it is necessary to get off the bus and scan your luggage. Also keep in mind that the bus does not arrive in front of the Terminals but stops in a parking lot located 1 km before and it is necessary to travel this distance on foot.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport consists of Terminals 1, 1B, 1C and 1D, all within walking distance. The baggage scanner check takes place before entering the terminal and not before going to the gates. Inside the terminal it is possible to change money.

Before leaving the country and thus obtaining the exit stamp from the competent authorities, it is necessary at the desk to take a photo and fingerprint all 10 fingers.

As for the Ethiopian Airlines Company, flights depart from Terminal 1C. Before printing my plane ticket, they wanted to check my credit card at the office. This is strange but it happened.

Punctual as never before from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 17.40 my plane no. ET305 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company, in the direction of Terminal 2 of the International Airport of Addis Ababa Bole (Ethiopia), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Entebbe (Uganda) and from Nairobi (Kenya) to Malpensa with a stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 514.14). Since the plane was full, they made me travel in first class at the same rate as second class.

Dinner is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

Arrival on time at 7.40 pm, at Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia). There is a 1 hour time zone compared to Italy.

At the aforementioned airport, I stay in the transit area (where there are seats where you can lie down to sleep) and therefore it is not necessary for me to be stamped with the Ethiopian entry stamp. As always there is a lot of confusion in this airport and therefore it is necessary to get in line to face the security check to access the gate at least 2 hours before but since 2 hours before your flight gate does not appear on the monitor you need to ask the information desk.

Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. ET734 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company in the direction of Bruxcel International Airport, but with a stopover at Malpensa multi-route ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Entebbe (Uganda) and from Nairobi (Kenya) to Malpensa with a stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 514, 14).

Dinner and breakfast are served on the aforementioned aircraft.

I therefore arrive at 5.20 A.M., at Malpensa International Airport, where my long journey ends.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/04/viaggio-in-uganda-e-kenya-attraverso-le.html

KAZAKHSTAN TRAVEL REPORT

VISA KAZAKHSTAN

It is quite simple to obtain a tourist visa even if it must be said that the Kazakh Embassy does not accept documents by post and therefore if you do not live in Rome you are almost forced to go to an agency with a consequent significant increase in costs.

I turned to:

EUROEST TRAVEL di Intelservizi S.r.l, OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR COMPANIES, Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811, VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009, E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it

But the VISTONLINE Agency, Via di San Romano, 24/26, 00159 Rome, also offers the same service at more or less the same prices.

The documents to be transmitted are as follows:

5. passport valid for at least 6 months.

6. 1 passport-size photo.

7. completed and signed visa application form.

8. letter of appointment;

Timing: 1 or 2 weeks depending on the period

Duration of the visa: 30 days.

Costs for obtaining through an agency (if you do it yourself, you spend almost half):

• Consular fees 30 days for single entry, including bank fees € 55

• Agency fees 40 € (VAT excluded)

• Shipping costs vary according to the type.

Below I report other useful information obtained from the website of the Kazakh Embassy in Rome:

FROM THE SITE: http://www.embkaz.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=88

CONSULAR FEES FOR ISSUING VISAS

(entered into force from 1 December 2010):

TYPE OF VISA ACCORDING TO THE TERM OF STAY COST in EUROS

TOURISM up to 30 days with a single entry (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 35.00

TOURISM up to 60 days with two entrances (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00

PERSONNEL up to 30 days with a single entry (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00

PERSONNEL up to 90 days with a single entry (it is essential to have an invitation and authorization from the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00

BUSINESS / BUSINESS up to 30 days with a single entry (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00

BUSINESS / BUSINESS up to 1 year with multiple entries (it is essential to have an invitation and authorization from the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 170.00

BUSINESS / BUSINESS up to 2 years with multiple entries (it is essential to have an invitation and authorization from the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 250.00

the TRANSIT visa € 30.00

PAYMENT THROUGH DIRECT DEPOSIT AT BRANCHES OF BANCA INTESA SAN PAOLO

ADDRESS: via Cassia 844, 00189 ROME

IBAN: IT40 W030 6903 2231 0000 0004 523

Consulate does not accept payments made by bank transfer, in cash, by credit card!

PAYMENT OF CONSULAR FEES FOR VISAS

IS MADE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH BANK DEPOSIT.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENTS BY BANK TRANSFER, IN CASH, BY CREDIT CARD!

THE RECEIPT OF THE PAYMENT MADE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CONSULAR OFFICE IN ORIGINAL.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BANK FEES ARE BORNE BY THE VISA APPLICANT. IN CASE OF INCOMPLETE PAYMENT THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

CONSULAR RIGHTS RELATING TO VISAS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE ONCE THE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.

NOTE: WE RECOMMEND YOU NOT TO PURCHASE AIR TICKETS IF THE DELAY OR REFUSAL OF THE APPLICATION WOULD CAUSE YOU AN ECONOMIC DAMAGE. THE EMBASSY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR SUCH ECONOMIC LOSSES.

List of countries for which citizens are not required to submit authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the completion of visa application procedures for entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan

1. Australia

2. Republic of Austria

3. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

4. Republic of Hungary

5. Hellenic Republic (Greece)

6. State of Israel

7. State of Qatar

8. Ireland

9. Italian Republic

10. Kingdom of Denmark

11. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

12. Kingdom of Spain

13. Republic of Iceland

14. Canada

15. Kingdom of Liechtenstein

16. Principality of Monaco

17. Kingdom of the Netherlands

18. Kingdom of Norway

19. Kingdom of Sweden

20. Kingdom of Belgium

21. Republic of Lithuania

22. Republic of Latvia

23. New Zealand

24. United Arab Emirates

25. Republic of Portugal

26. Republic of Singapore

27. Republic of Poland

28. Republic of Croatia

29. Republic of Korea

30. Republic of Bulgaria

31. Republic of Cyprus

32. Republic of Malta

33. Republic of Slovenia

34. Romania

35. United States of America

36. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

37. Slovak Republic

38. Sultanate of Oman

39. Republic of Finland

40. French Republic

41. Federal Republic of Germany

42. Malaysia

43. Federative Republic of Brazil

44. Czech Republic

45. Swiss Confederation

46. Republic of Estonia

47. Japan

Back to the CONSULATE page

List of documents required for the issue of the "private category visa" for the Republic of Kazakhstan

Period: more than 30 days up to 90 days.

Input quantity: one

List of documents required for issuing the "tourist visa"

for the Republic of Kazakhstan

The visa is issued for a single entry valid up to 30 days or for two entries valid up to 60 days

(this procedure only for citizens of 47 countries)

LIST

OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS N O T E

Passport

valid for abroad The passport is valid for at least 6 (six) months from the expiry date of the issued visa. At least one free page for the Kazakhstan visa must be available in the passport.

One form

filled out

(available on the website) Complete and truthful information must be indicated in the form.

A photo

coloured

(Please paste the photograph on the form)

A color photograph on a light background with the dimensions 3.5 x 4.5 сm., Taken no later than 3 months before the presentation of the documents.

Applicant's declaration

(available on the website) The applicant must submit a declaration in the name of the Consul for the issue of a business visa for a trip to Kazakhstan indicating the purpose of the trip, the length of stay ...

Additional information The consular service reserves the right to request documents

and if necessary, invite people for an interview

visa applicants

Visa issuing deadlines The visa issuing deadline is 5 working days (7 days

calendar) starting from the date of acceptance of all required documents

Cost of visa Up to 30 days - 35 €

Up to 60 days - 50 €

Public reception hours

of the consular office of the Republic of Kazakhstan

in the Italian Republic

RECEPTION OF CITIZENS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF AGENCIES FOR ENTRANCE VISAS:

• Acceptance of documents - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 11:30;

• Issue of documents - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 16:00;

• Interview - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 12:30.

RECEPTION OF CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND OF THE REPUBLIC OF KIRGHIZSTAN ON PRIVATE MATTERS:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 15:00 to 17:00;

• Wednesday - weekly closing.

Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan who find themselves in extreme situations can contact the consular office and the Embassy at any time.

The reservation for the reception on the phone: 0636308476

Delivery of documents to the Visa Office personally or through third parties (with a proxy signed by the visa applicant) or through visa agencies (with a proxy signed by the visa applicant).

The delivery of documents for entry visas by post or postal courier is not allowed.

Address:

Via Cassia, 471, 00189 - Rome, Italy.

Tel. 06 36 30 84 76; Fax. 06 36 29 26 12

Email: consolato-roma@mail.ru

Warning!

The payment of consular fees is made exclusively at the INTESA SANPAOLO bank

Address: Via Cassia, 844, 00189 - Rome, Italy

TRAVEL REPORT

From the West Bus Station (Zapadny), take the Marshrutka which leaves when full in the direction of Taraz (Kazakhstan). I waited 2 hours before leaving. The fare is 350 Som. It is paid directly to the driver. The journey takes over 4 hours including a stop of almost an hour at the Chaldybar border. The Marshrutka awaits you after the Kazakh border. I cross the border smoothly. For the Kazakh one, it is necessary to fill in the immigration card in English which must be stamped by the staff together with the passport and is valid as registration in the country and must therefore be returned when leaving the country. At the same time, a photo is taken of you and finally your luggage is checked through the metal detector.

As for the physical effort it must be said that there is very little to walk as the two customs buildings of the 2 aforementioned countries are close.

After both borders, it is possible to change money at the desks of the Money Changers, located on the right.

The Marshrutkas arrive at Taraz Bus Station, located 4km northeast of the center. From here, keep in mind that, when full, even in the afternoon, numerous Marshrutkas leave for Skymkent (3 hours, 1,000 Tenge).

In Skymkent I am dropped off at a bus station located almost in the center. From the main road adjacent to it you can take bus no. 40 or n. 92 which in about half an hour will take you to Samal, where collective taxis gather and leave when full for Turkistan (2 hours, 800 Tenge).

The roads are not bad compared to other Central Asian countries. The taxi driver leaves me in front of the Sabina Hotel in Sultanbek Qozhanov n. 16 in the center of Turkistan, 300 mt. approximately from the Yasaui Mausoleum. The price for a double or single room does not change: 3.000 Tenge per night. The bathroom is shared. The elderly owner makes a lovely effort to speak English to me with the help of a dictionary. He is very kind even if not very reliable with regards to travel directions to Astana

In Turkistan I visit the Yasaui Mausoleum, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Admission is free.

Marshrutkas in Turkistan cost 40 Tenge for each ride.

The Pulman for Astana leaves every day at 18.00 from the Turkistan Bus Station, located about 2.5 km north-west of the Yasaui Mausoleum. The cost of the ticket is 6,000 Tenge. The bus passes through Skymkent, Taraz and Karaganda. The trip lasts from 24 to 27 hours. In my case 26. The same makes a lot of stops to check the engine and also to load other people. It ends its journey at the Bus Station Asem, located north-east of Astana, over half an hour by bus from Bayterek Monument (Bus no. 41, price 60 Tenge to be paid to the controller).

Generally, the public buses that connect the Bayterek Monument area to the railway station and the adjacent main bus station, located about 4 km north-west of the historic center of Astana, are in service until 11.00 pm even if someone runs even further. For example, no. 10. Cost: 60 Tenge to be paid to the controller. About twenty minutes of travel.

Arrived at the Astana Train Station almost midnight. It is open all night and safe. The staff do not speak English. I look for, for the next day, one of the 10 trains that shuttle every day, between the capital and Almaty, but they are all full. There is only the elegant and very expensive Talgo train, which leaves every day at 20.28 from Astana and arrives in Almaty at 9.30 in the morning after 13 hours of travel at a cost of even 27,000 Tenge.

I spend the night in the bar of the Astana train station with some friends I met there and then head at 5.00 in the morning to the adjacent bus station which opens at that time and then take the inconvenient Bus to Almaty which leaves at 6.00 in the morning of in front of it. The ticket is made before boarding directly by the driver. Cost 5,000 Tenge. Distance approximately 1,100 km approximately. Duration of the trip: about 21 hours.

Arrival at 3am at the Sayran Bus Station in Almaty, located 6km west of the city center. The same remains open even at night.

Getting around Almaty by bus costs 40 Tenge. You pay the conductor before getting off.

KYRGYZSTAN

After visiting Almaty by bus and on foot, I return to the Sayran Bus Station in Almaty, where I take one of the frequent Marshrutkas that leave when full, in the morning and in the afternoon, to the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, located just 20 km from Bishkek. at a cost of 1,300 Tenge. The trip lasts 3 hours.

The border can be crossed on foot without major problems. The stamped immigration card must be returned to the Kazakh Customs. For Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, Italian citizens enter without a visa and without filling out any immigration papers.

After crossing the 2 borders on the Kyrgyz side, it is possible to change currency. Then there are private, collective and Marshrutka taxis to Bishkek. The cheapest option is the Marshrutka which takes you downtown Bishkek for 20 Som.

I visit the city of Bishkek on foot and with the Marshrutkas.

Then to reach Manas Airport, I go to the north-west side of the intersection between Chuy Prospektist and Molodaya Gvardina Bulevard in Bishkek where it leaves when Marshrutka no. 380 at a cost of 40 Som for a 50-minute journey. Theoretically there should be runs until 24.00, but many locals swear that the last runs are at 19.00. After this time you have to take a taxi.

Punctual as never before from the Manas Airport in Kyrgyzstan (always open even at night) at 5.30 my plane of the Turkish Company Pegasus in the direction of Orio al Serio, with a 3 hour 40 'stopover at the Sabina Gokcen Airport in Istanbul in Turkey (one way price including taxes Euro 165.00).

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2015/09/viaggio-in-iran-e-nel-centro-asia.html

KYRGYZSTAN TRAVEL REPORT.

From the Bus Station, located in the center of Batken in Kyrgyzstan, collective taxis with 7 seats in addition to the driver leave for Osh when they are full. The trip lasts over 4 hours and I paid $ 25 for it (of course they also accept Som). The important thing, before getting on, is to make sure that the taxi driver bypasses the Uzbek Enclave through secondary roads, because if you accidentally come across it, the Uzbek guards will let you out with broken bones especially if like me you do not have a visa for multiple entries for Uzbekistan. To this end I have prepared a ticket with the translation into Russian so that the taxi driver who does not speak English would understand my request. Because if it is true that the Kirgisi do not like to enter the Uzbek enclave, it is also true that they can do so without permission. It is different for European citizens, as I have already explained above.

In the end the trip went smoothly despite this being the hottest area of my trip as I deduced from the numerous Kirgisi checkpoints. Once in Osh the taxi driver brought every single person in front of the house, who among other things logically paid for the trip half of what I paid out as a tourist, sometimes in impossible roads and then in the end he left me in front of the Hotel Alay , as per my request and only 200 meters. compared to where he left the last passenger and for this service he gestured for another $ 5 but this time I got upset and didn't give it to him.

The Alay Hotel, located at the intersection of Alisher Navoi and Kurmanjan Street, in a very central position offers single rooms with shared bathroom at the price of 400 Som per night. The building is in Soviet style but the rooms are acceptable. The staff speak very little English.

After visiting Osh on foot, early in the morning, from Hotel Alay I walk for over 1 km on Alisher Navoi Street heading east, crossing the Ak Buura River bridge until reaching the intersection with Kyrgyzstan, where collective taxis leave when full to Bishkek, which takes at least 11 hours to reach the capital Kyrgisa through a road that offers incomparable views. You pass the Ala Bel Pass 3175 meters while the Tor Ashuu Pass 3.586 meters is avoided thanks to the tunnel located several tens of meters below. I paid 1,000 Som for this ride (Dollars are also accepted), after a short haggling. The taxi driver, however, after leaving everyone in front of the house, refused to take me to my hotel but abandoned me in the west part of Chuy Prospektisi, forcing me to have an unbearable effort from an orientation point of view in Bishkek.

Few people speak English in Bishkek and to reach Sakura Guesthouse, I had to change several buses and Marshrutka. The price of each ride is 8 Som. It is paid directly to the driver. In the end I managed to get to the intersection of Soviet Street and Jibek Jolu Prospektisi with difficulty. From there I walked for about 200 meters. heading north on Soviet Street, then turn right onto Michurina Street. I walked it for about 200 meters until I found a small pedestrian alley on the right where you can see the Sakura Guesthouse sign, very clean and comfortable. Price per night in dormitory: 400 Sum.

In Bishkek the money changers are scattered throughout the city but they are mainly found in Chuy Prospektisi and keep open until 24,000. They accept both Euros and Dollars.

If like me you are interested in moving from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan and Turkistan in southern Kazakhstan, keep in mind that there are no direct buses or Marshrutka, but that you have to make the trip in Marshrutka in 3 stages:

1. Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) - Taraz (Kazakhstan);

2. Taraz (Kazakhstan) - Skymkent (Kazakhstan);

3. Skymkent (Kazakhstan) - Turkistan (Kazakhstan);

To do this it takes at least 12 hours and therefore you have to leave early in the morning.

At the shelter located north - west of the intersection between Soviet Street and Jibek Jolu Prospektisi, you have to take Bus 35, which passes every Pope's death, or Marshrutka n. 113, which runs on Jibek Jolu Prospektisi heading west. Both also stop at the West Bus Station (Zapadny), located about 4 km northwest of the aforementioned intersection. The fare is 8 Som. It is paid directly to the driver.

KAZAKHSTAN

As for the physical effort it must be said that there is very little to walk as the two customs buildings of the 2 aforementioned countries are close.

After both borders, it is possible to change money at the desks of the Money Changers, located on the right.

In Turkistan I visit the Yasaui Mausoleum, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Admission is free.

Marshrutkas in Turkistan cost 40 Tenge for each ride.

Arrival at 3am at the Sayran Bus Station in Almaty, located 6km west of the city center. The same remains open even at night.

Getting around Almaty by bus costs 40 Tenge. You pay the conductor before getting off.

KYRGYZSTAN

I visit the city of Bishkek on foot and with the Marshrutkas.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2015/09/viaggio-in-iran-e-nel-centro-asia.html

REPORT TRAVEL TO UKRAINE, TRAVELING 2,727 KM BY CAR THROUGH THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: Uman, Odessa, Vylkovo, Maurocastro, Vinnytsya, Kamyanets-Podilsky, Khotyn, Čhernivtsi, Kolomyya, Jaremčhe, Carpathian National Natural Park, Frankivskiv, Frankivskiv, Rakhvano-Ivanov , Lviv, Pochayiv Monastery, Kremenets and Žytomyr.

DETAIL OF THE COSTS OF THE TRIP MENTIONED IN SUBJECT

1. Flight of the airline Ukraine International Airlines round trip from Orio al Serio to Kiev Boryspil: Euro 209.24 (2 hours 30 'each way). Free online check in allowed from 48 hours up to 2 hours before the flight. There is also the smartphone application to run it. At Kiev Boryspil airport it is also possible to check in for free using the special automatic machines located in the departure hall. If you go to the desk to check in you have to pay 10 Euros. It is possible to bring one hand luggage up to 7 kg for free. For checked baggage you must

2. Car Rental at Kiev Boryspil Airport (Ukraine), through the "Rentalcar" website, with United Company: Euro 25 per day;

3. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Ukraine and therefore it is desirable to change currency. The exchange at Kiev Boryspil airport is quite unfavorable: 1 Euro = 29.90 UAH. In the exchange offices located in the centers of the main cities of Ukraine, the exchange rate is as follows: 1 Euro = 32.50 UAH.

4. Outside of Kiev, it is very difficult to find someone who speaks English and almost impossible in the countryside and mountains of Ukraine.

5. The roads of Ukraine are all free but often in poor condition, with gigantic potholes that suddenly appear to the driver. They are also dark, the horizontal and vertical signs (almost always in Cyrillic) are insufficient and people circulate after sunset on bicycles, on foot and with horses without headlights. On the other hand, the two-lane roads in each direction connecting Kiev and Odessa and between Kiev and Lviv appear to be in good condition, even if the reversal mechanism at level causes risks. Here the speed limit is 110 km / h.

6. There are many police checkpoints in Ukraine.

7. Petrol "95" in Ukraine costs depending on whether there is self service and depending on the area from 25 UAH to 31 UAH per liter. Many vending machines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can almost always pay either in cash or by credit card.

8. Ukraine is one hour ahead of Italy;

9. Entrance to Sofiyivka Park, located on the outskirts of Uman, about 250 km south of Kiev, costs 40 UAH.

10. In Odessa the symbol of the City is the Potemkin Staircase. If you do not want to do it on foot, you can take the adjacent Funicular which operates every day from 8.00 to 23.00 at a cost of 4 UAH.

11. A must-see attraction in Ukraine, approximately 50 km southwest of Odessa is the Maurocastro Fortress, open daily from 9.00 to 18.00. The cost of the entrance ticket is 50 UAH.

12. To access the beautiful Kamyanets-Podilsky Fortress by car, you need to pay a toll of 10 UAH.

13. The Metropolitans' Residence in Čhernivtsi, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, can be visited from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 17.00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00, but only accompanied by a guide. hire at the entrance from the University concierge who does not speak English., at a cost of about 100 UAH

14. On the Bona Hill in Kremenets, there are the remains of a Fortress, whose entrance is free. The view over the city is sublime. To reach it it is necessary to take an uphill dirt road.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/10/viaggio-in-ucraina-percorrendo-2727-km.html

HONG KONG (CHINA) TRAVEL REPORT.

At the International Airport of Nadi (Fiji), at the check in desk of the FIJI AIRWAYS Company, for the flight to Sydney (Australia), they asked me to show them the Airline reservation that certifies my return to Italy.

Punctual as never before leaves from the International Airport of Nadi (Fiji) at 7.00 a.m., my plane no. FJ 917, of the FIJI AIRWAYS Company, in the direction of Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney - Australia (one way price Nadi - Hong Kong), including taxes, booked with the Qantas Company: F $ 1,122.20).

Breakfast is served on the aforementioned aircraft.

The duration of the flight is 4 hours 55 '.

Punctual arrival at 09.55 at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Australia).

There are 8 hours of time zone, compared to Italy, when summer time is in force in Italy, 9 hours when winter time is in force.

If, as in my case, you stay in the transit area of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Australia), you do not need a visa.

At Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney (Australia), there is a security check (sometimes with a scanner) for those entering the transit area.

Punctual as never before leaves from Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney (Australia), at 14.20 a.m., my plane no. QF 117, of the QANTAS Company in the direction of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (price one way Nadi - Hong Kong), taxes included, booked with the Qantas Company: 1,122.20 F $).

On the aforementioned aircraft, lunch is served and then a pizza.

The duration of the flight is 9 hours 40 '.

Punctual arrival at 22.00, at Terminal 1 of Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong.

There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

To enter Hong Kong, which is an Autonomous Region of China, it is not necessary to have an entry visa, for business, study and tourism purposes up to 90 days. To enter the country, you must present a passport with six months of residual validity on the date of entry into the country (3 months for stays of up to 30 days) and the completed form indicating the address where you intend to stay. Keep in mind that the entry stamp is not affixed to your passport but you are given the receipt which you will then have to return when you leave the country.

Keep in mind that in Hong Kong, Malaria is not present.

In Hong Kong there is the Guide on the left, in English.

In Hong Kong, cell phones with Italian cards work.

At Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China) it is possible to withdraw money at ATMs, but it is also possible to exchange cash (Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Solomon Dollars and many other currencies), at the following exchange rate (1 Euro = 8.50 HKD, 1 USD = 7.34 HKD).

Languages: Chinese and English. However, the most widely spoken language remains Cantonese.

Religions: Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The majority of the population refers to the Taoist and Buddhist religion; a significant minority (about 536,000 faithful) recognize themselves in the Christian religion (300,000 Protestants and 236,000 Catholics). In addition, about 80,000 Muslims of Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, Malay and Indonesian origin, as well as 15,000 Hindus live in Hong Kong. Finally, there are small Sikh and Jewish communities.

In Hong Kong the police are generally kind to foreigners and do not bother them with requests for money.

The streets of Hong Kong are in excellent condition.

From Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong (China), located on Chek Lap Kok Island to reach the center of Hong Kong, the fastest solution, the most used, but not the cheapest, is to use the Airport Express Train which stops at Tsing Yi Island (70 HKD), Kowloon (105 HKD) and Central (130 HKD). Journey time 25 minutes to Central. Departures every 10-12 minutes from 6.00.a.m. at 1.00 a.m. Tickets can be bought at the desk or at the automatic machines. There are also various passes and season tickets.

From Kowloon subway station, I took a taxi to reach the Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, paying 30 HKD. The taxi meter was active

The Tsim Sha Tsui area is very busy and safe even at night and can be easily explored on foot.

From Tsim Sha Tsui Metro Station, I took the metro to reach Central. Duration of the ride 10 minutes. Departures every 5 minutes from 6.04.a.m. at 00.54 a.m. The ticket which costs 11 HKD can be bought at the desk or at the automatic machines. There are also various passes and season tickets.

The Central area is frequented only during business hours. Then it empties. Despite this, it appears safe even at night and can be walked well.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2019/01/viaggio-in-papa-nuova-guinea-wewak.html